Men Eat More When They're With Women

For a 2015 study, researchers from the Cornell Food and Brand Lab camped out at an Italian buffet to watch people eat. They recorded how many pizza slices and bowls of salad each diner consumed, then had them complete a short survey before leaving. What they found was striking: men who dined with at least one woman ate 92% more pizza and 86% more salad than men dining with just men. (Interestingly, even though women ate the same regardless of who they dined with, those in the company of men thought they overate). Scientists think men overeat in the company of women in an attempt to show off. This isn't the first time scientists have seen a mixed-gender environment change people's behavior. In 2009, a Cornell study found that groups of men and women will make riskier financial decisions than groups of one gender. The take-home message? Make sure you're eating to satisfy your appetite, not to impress the opposite sex.